Do I Really Need To Include Cover Letters With My Resumes When Applying For Jobs?

In short - YES!

You should always include cover letters when applying for jobs, whether you are sending an application form or a resume/CV.

Why you ask?

We, as interviewers, can think of Three GOOD reasons:

1. You engage the interviewer personally.

By this we mean that if you write to a specific person, using their name, it makes them feel human to you.

In fact, a survey conducted by the Royal Mail in 2004 found that CVs and cover letters addressed to a named person were significantly favoured over those addressed to a generic job title by 55% of Personnel Departments.

Since you know the name of the person advertising the job, or can easily find it out, write to them. Donít just put a CV or job application form in an envelope Ė itís impersonal.

2. It sets you apart from all the other applications and CVs. Only about 1 in 10 of resumes or applications we receive has a covering letter. So already you are different.

3. It shows you have singled this job out particularly. Anyone can print off another copy of their resume or CV and stick it in an envelope when a suitable job appears. But writing a personal letter, expressing your interest and suitability for one particular position, makes you seem genuine and keener.

If you know how to write good cover letters, then you're off to a good start.

If you don't, it's not hard to learn.

There are many places online you can go for information and advice.

Try the link below - it's gives 2 sample cover letters you can use - one for an advertised job and one as a speculative letter.